Charles Dodsley Walker

I miss you, Charlie!

I was so sorry to learn quite belatedly! of Charlie's death. His influence on my growth as a church singer was profound; he knew so much about liturgical music tradition. I'll fondly remember Charlie's brilliant improvisations and especially his outrageous rendition of "Onward, Christian Soldiers" (in which he jumped from one tonality to another and included every kind of cadence and musical cliché possible). Such a combination of personality, warmth, talent, humor, and intelligence...

Rest in Peace

Charlie was probably the most kind, professional, and dedicated conductors I've had the pleasure of singing for. I was a ringer in his choir since 2006 and the repertoire he selected was a singer's joy. His wry sense of humor and joy in what he did was infectious and made choir a happy experience.

I didn't know Charlie for too long, since I only had the time to sing one term with Canterbury, but his energy and passion really shown through and touched how I've approached music and life since. I'm thankful to have experienced his joy for the short time I did and am saddened that that time has passed and others will not get to first hand, as well.

I first met Charlie in 1970 and, over the years, not only did we become great friends but he also served as GrandGodfather to my daughter Laura.

Charlie was the hardest-working person I knew; yet was always upbeat. His daily schedule was full from morning 'til night but, when you were with him, you felt he had all the time in the world just for you.

Charlie was always modest about his musical abilities even though he was a world-class master of improvisation at an organ console....

As I anticipate attending Charlie Walker's memorial service in NYC tomorrow with my family, I am filled with gratitude and awe for the huge positive impact that he had on my children and our family at Trinity Church, Southport, CT. He is directly responsible for fostering my children's (Grant and Hanna) deep love of music from the ages of six and four until they left for college. He was an elegant, kind and gracious man and taught them much beyond the music that they so love still and always...

Today would have been Charlie's 95th Birthday. I will miss the email exchange we would have enjoyed today. I am sure the occasion will be appropriately celebrated with him conducting a heavenly choir performing his favorite works.

Like so many others, my introduction to singing was at Chapin with Mr Walker and his gift to me was a life long love and appreciation of choral music. How thankful we are to have spent those years with him, to have been influenced by his energy and passion. Thank you!